Cracks of rifles heard through Miramar when The Battle Colors Detachment visits

Photo By Sgt. Raquel Barraza | Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon spin rifles during a Battle Colors Ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 14. With a reputation of perfection throughout the world, the silent drill platoon reminds onlookers of the proud esprit de corps found in Marines serving all around the globe.
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, UNITED STATES

03.14.2013

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Dozens of spectators watched in awe as a hand-picked lineup of Marines wearing crisp dress blues demonstrated the precision, discipline and skill required to execute drill movements flawlessly, using rifles fixed with bayonets, without a single verbal command given.

The Battle Colors Detachment of the Commandant's Drum and Bugle Corps and Marine Corps Silent Drill Team performed here March 14.

Before the silent drill performance, “The Commandant's Own” Drum and Bugle Corps wooed onlookers as they took the field wearing their distinguished red coats and white trousers - boasting their astonishing musical skills.

“They bring back a piece of America that seems to get lost and the music (of the band) brings in the patriotism. It’s fantastic,” said Col. John P. Farnam.

After The Commandant’s Own performance, the Silent Drill Team quietly marched onto the field, with the occasional loud clap of their rifles echoing as they twirled their weapons in unison, demonstrating their flawless drill skills.

Marines, sailors and family members applauded and were astounded by the precise movement of the platoon.

“Those guys are unbelievable and I can’t get enough,” said Farnam.

Close order drill originated on the battlefield, but serves in different capacities today. The Marine Corps has used drill movements to teach discipline, order precise unit movement, develop response to orders and teach leaders how to assert proper commands.

The team presents the Marine Corps’ image to the public and they see the precision and motivation of the Marines, explained Farnam.

With a reputation of perfection throughout the world, the silent drill platoon reminds onlookers of the proud esprit de corps found in Marines serving all around the globe.

“We show (the public) what the Marine Corps is all about and it’s a great experience,” said Lance Cpl. Anthony Smith, a Marine with the Silent Drill Platoon.

Marines of the Battle Colors Detachment met with spectators after the show and left all who saw the performance an unforgettable sight.